Tom S. is our Creative Director and the Arbiter of Style for Starbright. Tom sees into the future and keeps our design styles ahead of the curve. For Valentine’s Day 2010 he has some thoughts to share and has written the article below… Enjoy!
As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, I stop to ponder Gertrude Stein’s famous quote, “A rose is a rose is a rose.” During this time of year, our store is inundated with requests for red rose arrangements. It is not atypical to have over 15,000 long stem red roses in our fridge during the week of Valentine’s Day. While roses are gorgeous and will always remain a popular declaration of one’s love and devotion, I have to agree with Stein. A rose really IS a rose.
Luckily, we are prepared with other creative and unique options that should appeal to most couples. Why limit yourself to a vase of red roses? During the Valentine season, the price of roses can be shocking. Our wholesale cost goes up, supplies of the best roses become scarce and customers can see that reflected in the price of a dozen roses. Instead of roses, consider sending a lush, hand tied nosegay of eggplant colored calla lilies. With their sculptural shape that has been eroticized by artists such as Georgia O’Keefe and Robert Mapplethorpe, calla lilies should evoke a passionate response from any recipient.
Orchids are another option that will both delight and inspire. The exotic shapes, textures and colors of the orchid speak to the tropical fantasies of many lovers. During the winter months, wouldn’t it be wonderful to remind your loved one of your past trip to the islands? Perhaps the flowers will help to promote a future trip. One benefit of orchids that can not be overstated is their longevity. While long stem roses typically last an average of five days, fresh cut orchids will remain lovely for up to two weeks. An orchid plant can last months, and they are deceptively easy to care for. For a masculine approach to the orchid, a floating cymbidium stem artfully arranged inside a glass cylinder is a very modern choice. This option is long lasting and costs about $25 less than a dozen roses.
If your other half is more traditional and may be disappointed if they don’t receive roses, let us become creative to come up with a special mixed arrangement. Rather than the typical tall vase, try a tight and compact cube arrangement. Not only will the flowers be easier to bring home, they will last longer! Low and lush arrangements are a modern trend and appeal to most discerning costumers. Hydrangea, tulips, and roses make a romantic mix certain to please even the most persnickety lover. Because the roses are being added to other flowers, the cost will be significantly less then a solo vase of roses. While cost is often not the deciding factor when choosing a gift for someone special, in these times it is very nice to have some economical options.
As a floral designer, my opinion of roses may be negatively influenced by the scars and calluses I’ve acquired from years of Valentine’s Day thorns. However, I have the unique opportunity to see the wide of variety of flowers available to customers during this romantic holiday. While roses are certainly the star of the show, there are many flowers that are waiting in the wings for their moment to shine. No matter what, when the flowers are sent with love, they transcend and aspire to more than Stein’s observation. “A rose is a rose is a rose…” unless it comes from you!
About Starbright Floral Design: We are located in New York City in the heart of the historic flower district. We are in a loft on the second floor of our building on 28th Street, right by Seventh Avenue. We deliver to all of New York City ourselves (and beyond). This holiday season we have some amazing Valentine’s styles for you to choose from. Give us a call (800.520.8999), stop by (150 West 28th Street, Suite 201) or visit our website (www.starflor.com)
Blooming Thoughts 